ABA involves the systematic application of learning principles and techniques to assess and improve individuals’ covert and overt behaviours in order to help them function more fully in society. Training in the experimental analysis of behaviour (basic research on behaviour) is also provided. The Department of Psychology offers research and applied training in ABA at both the MA and Ph.D. levels. Students also have the opportunity to receive supervised training in the practice of ABA with varied clientele, including persons with developmental disabilities and autism.

The ABA faculty members are well published and have received numerous grants. All ABA students are encouraged to co-author conference presentations and publications with ABA faculty.

Alliance with St. Amant

St. Amant is one of the largest disability service organizations in the Province of Manitoba. The Centre is comprised of a full spectrum of service options, including a residential treatment centre, a school, a vocational program, community residences, an integrated preschool, and an extensive variety of community supports such as respite care, outreach, clinical consultants, family support programs, and staff education and training services. In 1997, the Centre established a quality of life research program under the direction of Dr. C. T. Yu. Dr. Yu and other professional staff at St. Amant have been very supportive of research conducted by psychology students. In addition to its excellent support of research, the St. Amant Centre has been very supportive of ABA graduate students receiving supervised practica applying behavioural techniques with developmentally disabled persons.

Manitoba ABA Program for Children with Autism (MABACA) is a government-funded program that was initiated in 1999, and that currently funds intensive ABA treatment for children with autism from the ages of 2 to 6. This program is directed from St. Amant and is supervised by Dr. Angela Cornick, Director of ABA Program and Psychology Services at St. Amant. Each child in the program receives 35 hours of therapy per week, including 27 hours with a tutor, three hours with a senior tutor, and five hours with a parent, all supervised by a clinical consultant. Every second week, the tutors, senior tutor, clinical consultant, and parents of a child participate in a three-hour clinic. Some of our ABA graduate students have been hired as clinical consultants in this program.

Alliance with other professionals within the university and in the community, including the following adjunct professors and associates within the area: